Thailand closes border post

Thailand closes border post

BANGKOK (AFP): Thailand has shut a border post with Cambodia after fresh fighting broke out between rival factions on the Cambodian side, the Thai military said yesterday.

The border post at An Mah, usually open three times a week, remained shut yesterday after reported clashes between troops loyal to Phnom Penh strongman Hun Sen and Khmer Rouge guerrillas, a senior Thai officer said.

Sources said Khmer Rouge rebels and troops loyal to ousted Cambodian copremier Prince Norodom Ranariddh began shelling a military base under the control of Second Premier Hun Sen near An Mah early Thursday.

Refugees streamed into Thailand's Surin province as royalist forces clung to their last bastion in northwest Cambodia amid heavy fighting. The officer said some 250 refugees would be sent back to the Cambodian town of Poipet on Oct. 10 and other groups would follow.